Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1887-10-21
THE UNlvERsALlsT CHURCH AT SHORE
HAM.
ITS DEDICATION ON THURSDAY OF LAST
WEEK,

WEEK,
The liberal people of Shoreham and
vicinity looked forward to this event
with much interest. They have been
without church for more than two
years and half. The early settlers of
this town were Universalists.
The old church was built in 1851 and
dedicated January rs, 1852, Rev. r. Ha-
ven preaching the sermon. 1t was a
model edifice, and was considered then
the best among all the Universalist
churches in the State. The builders
were Justly proud of their building The
location was beautiful for situation. 1t
stood there on the common for 30 years
and was the religious home of the lead
ing men i'm the town. The old church
was occupied for the last time December
2S, 1884, the service being conducted by
Rev. s. A. Parker, who spoke of "The
Story of the Year" Before night it was
consumed by fire, the origin of which
was not known. There was no insur-
ance. This loss was a great calamity to
the parish. Before the brick and marble
were cold the people began to talk of
building "A new church. They called a
meeting of the society. Although it was
a time of great financial depression, es-
pecially so in the main business of that
community, yet they resolved to build
The money was raised. a committee,
consisting of Z. A. Burchard, VIM. Cook
and Elmer Barnum, made contract
with Smith & Allen of Middlebury for a
new church, which is an improvements
in many respects. on the old one. 1t is
more modern in its style of architecture,
and its acoustic properties are greatly
superior to the old. The more the socie-
ty get used to it the better they will like
it. Many visitors, who have kept along
with the spirit of the age, and who were
good Judges of architecture, wondered
how such a church could be built for
$4,000.
Two services were held on Wednesday,
the 18th, the day before the dedication,
conducted by Rev. G. w. Perry of Rut-
land. The sermons were eloquent and
full of spiritual power, such as met the
need of the hour. The next forenoon
discourse was given by Rev. Geo. S.
Guernsey of Rochester, who presented a
clear statement of the principles of the
Universalist church, which held the close
attention of the audience from the begin
ming to the end.
In the afternoon the church was filled
to listen to the following
SERVICE Of DEDNCAIlON.
voluntary. ............. Choir
Anthem ...................... Cnolr
Scripture Reading. ..Rev. G. w. Perry
Hymn 7O2, Adams Chapins
Sermon. observation-disclosures Key. >. "A. farker
Hymn 7O3, Adams & Chapin's.
Prayer of Dedication. ..Rev. g. 5. Guernsey
Anthem. Choir
BenedictiOn.
The same hymns were used as those at
the dedication of the old church. Every
one felt it was most fitting that Rev. g..
S. Guernsey should be present and have
prominent part in this service, he being
the only minister living of the four who
were at the former dedication. The 9th
er three were X. Haven, John Gregory
and Eli Ballou.
As Rev. S. A. Parker was supplying
for the parish when the old church was
burned, and as he gave a helping hand
in building the new, the society desired
he should preach the sermon of dedica-
ton. He spoke of the rebuilding of the
temple under Ezra, and gave reminis-
cences connected with the old church
and told what the new church stands for
in the religious world.
The Shoreham society has always been
noted for its superior music. The sing
ers from other churches very kindly
came and Joined the Uniyersalist choir,
which added much to the interest of this
series of meetings. Messrs. Hubbard of
Whiting and Peck of Middlebury, Miss
Kate f. Griswold and her sister were the
familiar faces in the choir, whose voices
are always most gladly heard by that
people. With a united parish and a new
church we may reasonably expect regu-
lar services will soon be resumed. Y.